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Meet The Team

Managing Director, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Autism Consultant at NeuroNexus Psychology Erina, Nicole Ennis-Oaks

Managing Director, Principal Clinical Psychologist & Autism Consultant

 

Specialisation & Areas of Expertise

Neurodivergent Profiling & Neurodivergent Family Integration   ​

  • Neurodivergence & complex co-occurring differences including:

    • Anxiety challenges

    • Depression & mood differences

    • ADHD & Executive Functioning Differences

    • Learning differences

    • Sensory processing differences

  • Parenting and Family Support


Qualifications

  • Master of Clinical Psychology

  • Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

  • AHPRA Registered Supervisor

  • Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies & Master of Autism Studies candidate​

 

​​Therapeutic Approaches

  • Neuro-affirming, evidence-based, trauma-informed

  • Co-created collaboratively with the individual, family, and or carers

  • Tailored to individual neurological profile & lifestyle context

  • Approaches include:

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) including Behavioural Activation

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Therapeutic Diagnostic Interviewing

    • Motivational Interviewing

    • Solutions-Based Therapy

    • Sensory Integration

    • Psychoeducation

    • Schema Therapy​
       

Professional Experience

  • 11+ years working with neurodivergent individuals and their families

  • Experience in:

    • Detailed Diagnostic and functional profiling

    • Educational and occupational supports

    • Mental health care

    • Parenting, family and relationship support

​​

Values & Philosophy

  • Neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-focused

  • Forward-thinking, innovative approaches unique to the individual

  • Advocating for empowerment, acceptance, autonomy, and positive identity

  • Systemic advocacy for acceptance, inclusion and active citizenship
     

Lived Experience

As someone with lived experience of ADHD, Nicole has firsthand understanding of strengths and challenges of a neurodivergent brain.  Running  strongly in her family, many are living with it in some form, often alongside anxiety, depression, and various learning differences. This personal connection fuels her passion for creating supportive, strengths-based environments for neurodivergent individuals and families.  Nicole understands what it’s like from the inside, and brings that insight into her work, shaping a deep commitment to providing compassionate, affirming, and respectful support for neurodivergent individuals and families.  Nicole comprehensively understands the systemic barriers and emotional complexities faced by neurodivergent people.

 

Languages  - English

Senior Psychologist (Clinical Psychologist) & Autism Consultant   at NeuroNexus Psychology Erina, Chloe Porter

Senior Clinical Psychologist & Autism Consultant

​

Specialisation & Areas of Expertise

Complex autism, co-occurring ADHD, trauma, anxiety, psychosis, mood disorders (often co-occurring) and forensic concerns.​


​Qualifications

  • Master of Clinical Psychology 

 

​​Therapeutic Approaches

Practices at the extremes of complexity, where multiple challenges intersect​.

  • Brings advanced clinical expertise and real-world experience as a Clinical Psychologist

  • Frequently supports neurodivergent children and their families, especially when conventional strategies haven’t worked

  • Skilled in finding the core of complex issues to deliver tailored, evidence-based interventions

  • Supports individuals and families experiencing:

    • Mood swings, shutdowns, and outbursts

    • Risk-taking and hard-to-manage behaviours

    • Co-occurring neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions

    • Helps clients understand the meaning behind symptoms to enable real, lasting change

    • Provides a therapeutic space grounded in insight, accountability, and compassionate support.

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

    • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Mindfulness-based interventions
       

Professional Experience

  • Brings advanced clinical expertise and real-world experience as a Clinical Psychologist

  • Highly experienced in addressing behavioural and forensic concerns, including:

    • Aggression

    • Substance use

    • Harmful sexual behaviours
       

Values & Philosophy

  • Believes challenging behaviours usually have underlying causes.

  • Outbursts & emotional extremes demonstrate unmet or unrecognised needs or misunderstandings, particularly with neurodivergent individuals 

  • Identifying history & root causes of difficulties.

  • Uses EMDR to help process trauma and reduce emotional distress.

  • Focuses on lasting change, replacing stuck patterns with empowering behaviours.

 

Lived Experience

In addition to her clinical expertise, Chloe brings personal insight to her work. She lives with ADHD and parents children with both autism and ADHD. This lived experience deepens her understanding of neurodivergence and adds realism and empathy to her clinical approach. Chloe understands the daily load – the decision fatigue, the second-guessing, and the sense that you’re doing everything “right,” but things still feel overwhelming. Her support is shaped by both science and lived experience, which helps her connect the dots in a way that’s both compassionate and practical.

 

Languages  - English

Elizabeth Edwards - Website Photograph_e

Registered Psychologist & Autism Consultant

​

Specialisations & areas of expertise

  • Late-diagnosed Autistic and Neurodivergent women

  • Supporting members of the LGBTIQ community.
     

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (Psychology),

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Child & Adolescent Psychology.

  • Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies;

  • Master of Autism Studies (currently completing)

  • AHPRA Registered Supervisor.
     

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Utilises an integrative, neuro-affirming, and trauma-informed framework.

  • Evidence-based approach tailored to individual needs.

  • Strong emphasis on collaboration with individuals and their families.

  • Proficient in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with behavioural activation, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

  • Skilled in Diagnostic and Motivational Interviewing.

  • Experienced in Solution-Focused Therapy & psychoeducation.
     

Professional Experience

  • Over 22 years of experience across forensic, family, child, and adolescent settings.

  • Currently works extensively with neurodivergent individuals and their families.

  • Skilled in diagnostic assessment and neurodevelopmental profiling.

  • Supports educational and occupational functioning.

  • Provides mental health support tailored to individual needs.

  • Experienced in addressing relational dynamics and parenting challenges.
     

Values and Philosophy

  • Grounded in a neuro-affirming and strengths-based framework.

  • Committed to fostering innovation, self-efficacy, and personal agency.

  • Advocates for respectful recognition of individual differences.

  • Promotes empowerment through collaborative, person-centred practice.

  • Supports the development of a positive and authentic identity.
     

Lived Experience

Personal and familial experiences of neurodivergence inform a nuanced and empathetic understanding of the complex challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. My identity as a neurodivergent woman has been instrumental in shaping a strong professional commitment to advancing awareness, promoting neuro-affirming practices, and delivering respectful, strengths-based support to neurodivergent individuals and their families.​
 

Languages  - English

Senior Clinical Psychologist & Autism Consultant at Neuronexus Psychology, ERINA NSW, Laura Small.

Specialisations & areas of expertise

Autism and mental health issues, including complex trauma and depression, as well as bipolar, psychotic and anxiety disorders. Forensic and behavioural challenges including violence, anger and substance use.

Laura also provides Parenting support and works with individuals seeking support to better understand and navigate social communication in a way that works for them.

 

Therapeutic Approaches 

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,

  • Schema Therapy,

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and

  • Mindfulness-based approaches. 

 

Professional Experience 

  • Experienced clinical psychologist with a diverse professional background.

  • Has worked across community mental health, youth justice, and private practice.

  • Extensive experience treating co-occurring mental health conditions.

  • Skilled in supporting individuals with mood and anxiety disorders alongside neurodivergence.

 

Values and Philosophy

  • Consistently takes a neuro-affirming, compassionate, and authentic approach to therapy.

  • Values collaboration with clients, families, and support teams.

  • Builds strong therapeutic relationships based on understanding and respect.

  • Focused on helping clients achieve meaningful and personalised therapy goals.

 

Lived Experience

Laura's lived experience of autism and ADHD within my family has deepened her understanding of the challenges neurodivergent individuals and their families often face and has shaped her commitment to advocating for her clients and providing neuro-affirming support.

​

Languages  - English

Registered Psychologist | AHPRA Registered Supervisor, Ari Paprestis at NeuroNexus Psychology, Erina NSW

Registered Psychologist | AHPRA Registered Supervisor

 

Ari Paparestis

Specialisation & Areas of Expertise

Neurodivergent performance psychology and nutritional psychology.   ​

  • Extensive experience working with children and adolescents

  • Strong focus on supporting neurodiverse children and their families across home, school, and community settings

  • Passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma

  • Special interests in performance psychology

  • Special interests in nutritional psychology


Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Business and Commerce

  • Graduate Diploma of Psychology

  • Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology

  • AHPRA Registered Supervisor​

 

​​Therapeutic Approaches

  • Integrative, neuro-affirming, and evidence-based approach

  • Sessions tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals

  • Utilises a range of intervention techniques, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Coaching and goal setting

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Solutions-Focused Therapy

  • Psychoeducation
     

Professional Experience

  • 17+ years’ experience working with children and adolescents with complex mental health needs

  • Worked across a variety of settings, including:

  • Juvenile Justice

  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), NSW Health

  • NSW Department of Education

  • Residential treatment facilities
     

Values & Philosophy

  • Committed to a neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach

  • Focuses on building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship

  • Works collaboratively with clients to uncover and build on their unique strengths

  • Supports clients in developing self-confidence and appreciating their individual abilities
     

Lived Experience

With personal and family experience of ADHD, I bring a deep, lived understanding of the challenges and strengths of a neurodiverse mind—insight that informs my compassionate and practical approach to therapy.

 

Languages  - Greek & English

Kirsten_edited_edited.jpg

Registered Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar) & Behaviour Support Practitioner

 

Kirsten McKenna

Specialisation & Areas of Expertise

Special Interests include neurodivergence and parenting support, preventing burnout, epigenetics, neurodivergent general health and gut health, and positive psychology.

  • Focus on neurodivergence & individualised support.

  • Identifies & advocates for adaptive needs.

  • Experienced in working with co-occurring conditions.

  • Supports clients with anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

  • Works with learning & sensory processing differences.

  • Emphasises personalised, strengths-based approaches.


Qualifications

  • Master of Clinical Psychology

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours, Psychology)

  • Diploma Positive Psychology & Wellbeing

  • Bachelor of Physical Health & Education

  • Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Education) 

 

​​Therapeutic Approaches

  • Integrative, neuro-affirming, and evidence-based approach.

  • Trauma-informed and tailored to each person’s unique neurological profile.

  • Considers family, educational, occupational, and environmental contexts.

  • Aligned with individual goals and support needs.

  • Modalities include CBT (with behavioural activation), Mindfulness-Based CBT, and ACT.

  • Skilled in Diagnostic and Motivational Interviewing.

  • Solutions-Based Therapy and Sensory Integration strategies.
     

Professional Experience

  • 10 years as an executive consultant in mental health, wellbeing, and leadership development.

  • more than 2 years’ focused on supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families across educational, mental health, relationship, and parenting contexts.

  • Skilled in identifying and addressing diverse needs through tailored, strengths-based approaches.

  • Expertise in psychological safety, workplace culture, and physical health promotion.

  • Proven ability to work across systems and teams to drive meaningful, sustainable change.
     

Values & Philosophy

  • Neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach to therapy.

  • Focus on fostering personal agency and self-compassion.

  • Empowers clients to build self-efficacy and a strong, authentic sense of self.

  • Recognises and values each person’s unique neurodiversity and strengths.

  • Provides a supportive space for exploring potential and developing strategies.

  • Helps clients navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.
     

Lived Experience

Living with ADHD has deepened my understanding of the systemic challenges and emotional struggles that neurodivergent individuals face. This experience fuels my dedication to providing compassionate, affirming support to neurodivergent individuals and their families.
 

Languages  - English

Registered Psychologist & Autism Consultant, Aleena spake, Neuronexus psychology

Specialisations & areas of expertise

  • Neurodivergence in individuals and families

  • Supporting self-awareness and positive identity development

  • Sensory processing and interoceptive awareness

  • Co-occurring differences:

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • ADHD

    • Learning differences

    • Sensory processing differences
       

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

  • Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies
     

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Neuro-affirming, evidence-based, and trauma-informed

  • Careful collaboration with the individual, family, school, and allied health professionals.

  • Adapted to suit each person’s unique neurological profile and context, with a strong focus on autonomy and choice in the therapeutic journey.

  • Approaches include:

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Motivational Interviewing

    • Solution-Focused Therapy

    • Psychoeducation

    • Functional Behaviour Assessment

    • Sensory Integration Strategies
       

Professional Experience

  • 5 years working with neurodivergent individuals and their families

  • Experience in:

    • Mental health care

    • Multidisciplinary collaboration

    • Educational support
       

Values and Philosophy

  • Neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based approach

  • Flexibly adapting therapy to suit unique individual experiences

  • Supporting autonomy and self-directed growth

  • Advocating for empowerment and inclusion
     

Lived Experience

As someone with lived experience of autism and ADHD, Aleena bring a deep understanding of both the challenges and unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, and strives to create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, seen, and accepted without judgment.
 

Languages  - English

Speech Pathologist, Neurodiversity Specialist at NeuroNexus Psychology, Central Coast NSW,Tracy Mee  _edited.jpg

Speech Pathologist
 

Tracy Mee

Specialisations & areas of expertise

Tracy Mee is a dedicated Speech Pathologist who brings warmth, compassion, and expertise to her work with autistic and neurodivergent individuals. With a strong focus on supporting children who experience the world and communicate differently, Tracy offers evidence-based assessment and therapy across a broad range of areas—including speech sound development, language and literacy difficulties, fluency (stuttering), voice, auditory processing, and social communication challenges.

​

Tracy understands that for many neurodivergent children, the school experience can be vastly different from that of their neurotypical peers. While some children move easily through social situations, academic tasks, and extracurricular opportunities, others, despite tremendous effort, face daily struggles that can lead to frustration, isolation, and emotional exhaustion. Tracy is committed to creating a safe, affirming space where these children are recognised for their unique strengths, and where therapy supports both communication and confidence.

​

She believes that all children deserve to feel understood, accepted, and valued—not compared or marginalised. Tracy works closely with families to tailor therapy goals to each child’s individual profile, needs, and daily environment, making therapy both practical and meaningful. For her, it’s not just about improving speech or language; it’s about helping children connect, belong, and thrive.

​

Tracy is passionate about neurodiversity and is an advocate for children whose gifts may not be immediately recognised in traditional settings. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that every child wants the same thing: to be included and to be accepted for who they truly are.
 

Continually engaged in professional development, Tracy ensures her practice remains informed by the latest research and best practices in the field. She is here to walk alongside families, offering support, expertise, and hope as they navigate the challenges and celebrate the progress of their child’s unique journey.

​

Languages  - English

 

Support Team

Our dedicated admin support team plays a vital role in ensuring the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently. They are often the first point of contact for clients and families, providing a warm, professional, and welcoming experience from the outset.

 

With a strong understanding of the needs of neurodivergent individuals and their families, our admin team is committed to creating a calm, respectful, and inclusive environment. They manage bookings, answer enquiries, coordinate communication, and assist with navigating paperwork and processes, including NDIS and other funding supports. Behind the scenes, they help keep everything organised and on track—so our clinicians can focus on delivering high-quality care. Compassionate, approachable, and highly skilled, our admin team is here to support you every step of the way.

Nik Kirwood, Assessment Coordinator, neuronexus psychology, Erina

Ashley Jones

Nicole Kirwood

Assessment & Marketing Coordinator​​​

NeuroNexus Psychology Donna Britton - Diary Manager_edited.jpg

Don Francis

Donna Britton

Customer Support

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